Siem Reap, Cambodia

March 26 – March 31

*This is an unfinished blog post. There are some notes below, but I will fill in the details later. My folder of Siem Reap, Cambodia pics can be viewed here.

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10 hr bus from Sihannoukville (2 parts – first to Phnom Penh, 1 hr wait, then another bus to Siem Reap). Met nice man on bus with adopted family from Cambodia.

Tuk tuk driver’s brother picked me up (disappointment because I thought I’d avoid getting a sketchy one by going with the brother of someone I know). But no. Tuk tuk driver prebooked my hotel and when I didn’t want to stay there, he threw a fit. Also wanted me to book a tour with him. I refused to do the tour and refused to pay him for the ride until he took me where I wanted to go.

I went to Naga Guesthouse. Nice people and recommended place, bike rental. But I got a crappy room (since I’m a cheapo and went for the absolute cheapest room possible). $2/night. Rats and bed bugs (?) Got locked out at night because door man fell asleep and wouldn’t wake up even though I was yelling at the door. Had to jump over the fence, which wasn’t a bit deal but amused people in the street.

Visited the singing Tree cafe. Women (Australian I think?) taught locals how to crochet with plastic bags and they sell their stuff at the cafe and at craft markets. I emailed her about starting a similar project in other parts of the world.

Other fun veggie restaurants

Saw lots of animals.

Monkeys

Big ants

lizards

crazy clouds of flying bugs

buffalo

Rented bicycle so I could visit temples on my own without a tour guide. Got templed out after day 2, but bought 3-day pass. Well worth it though, so you can see things at your leisure. It was really nice to be on my own.